Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Roundabout Project topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves $80,000 amendment for South Main Street roundabout after cost overruns
Summary
Council approved an $80,000 budget amendment to the South Main Street roundabout project to cover unforeseen utility relocations and to add safety features including a 300‑foot curb; staff said prior contingencies were consumed by stormwater changes.
The Mount Airy Town Council approved a budget amendment adding $80,000 from the general fund capital budget to the South Main Street roundabout project to cover unplanned utility relocations and enhanced traffic‑safety improvements.
Town Engineer (unnamed) told council that an original contingency of roughly $75,000 — about 3% of the project — was largely consumed after a 100% design phase required adding a manhole, an inlet and new storm pipe, which increased costs by approximately $40,000. The remainder of the requested $80,000 will be applied to utility payments, stamped‑concrete elements at the roundabout, and the approved 300‑foot safety curb designed to prevent illegal U‑turns.
Council members who supported the amendment emphasized the curb’s safety benefits; former Streets & Roads commissioners said an eight‑inch curb should deter illegal turns and make the roundabout functional. Council Member Demoter asked for detail on whether the $80,000 is new contingency or a line‑item budget amendment; staff clarified it is a budget amendment that will fund contractor and utility costs.
Several members noted that when the council originally agreed to the safety curb they understood it would be paid from contingency; because contingency had been used for unforeseen stormwater work, council agreed to cover the feature from the general fund. The measure passed by voice vote.
Council also discussed the project’s procurement history, prior bid and rebid steps, and the need to maintain the curb to ensure the roundabout reduces speeds and prevents unsafe maneuvers.
Council president asked for a consensus confirming the council still wanted the safety curb now that funding would come from a different pot; members concurred and approved the amendment.
